Last updated: January 18, 2025
Epirus, Greece, showcases a diverse climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Csa and Csb, indicative of a Mediterranean climate with a pronounced seasonal variation. The region experiences a minimum temperature of -23°C (-8°F) in January, illustrating the potential for cold winter conditions. Meanwhile, summers can reach a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in July, highlighting the area’s capacity for warmth. The average annual temperature hovers around 15°C (58°F), offering a temperate environment conducive to diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices. This climatic variability significantly influences local weather patterns and contributes to the region's rich biodiversity.
In Epirus, Greece, temperature patterns exhibit significant seasonal variation, reflecting a dynamic Mediterranean climate. Winter months from January to March are marked by chilling lows, with January experiencing a frigid minimum of -23°C (-8°F) and gradually rising temperatures, culminating in March’s maximum of 23°C (74°F). As spring unfolds, temperatures rise steadily, with April reaching a maximum of 31°C (88°F), showcasing a robust transition towards warmer weather. The summer period from June to August peaks with maximum temperatures consistently hitting 39°C (102°F) to 40°C (104°F), making it the hottest time of the year. As autumn approaches, temperatures begin to decline, transitioning from the high 30s in September to more moderate averages by October. This cycle of temperature extremes not only shapes the local ecosystem but also affects agricultural practices and daily life in the region.
In the Epirus region of Greece, Parga experiences a mild climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) in January to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) in August, as detailed here. Metsovo, known for its colder winters, sees temperatures dropping to -15°C (5°F) in January and rising to 36°C (97°F) in August, more information can be found here. Ioannina, the coldest among the three, witnesses extremes with temperatures as low as -20°C (-3°F) in January and reaching up to 37°C (99°F) in August, further details are available here.
Epirus, Greece, experiences a distinctive precipitation pattern throughout the year, characterized by notable wet and dry periods. The winter months of January and February see significant rainfall, with January receiving 165 mm (6.5 in) and February slightly less at 154 mm (6.1 in), often accompanied by up to 11 days of precipitation each month. This hydrological surplus transitions into spring, where March maintains a relatively high precipitation rate of 123 mm (4.8 in), before a sharp decline in April and May, where rainfall drops to 70 mm (2.8 in) and 73 mm (2.9 in), respectively. The early summer months experience even less rainfall, ultimately resulting in July and August recording just 29 mm (1.1 in) and 21 mm (0.8 in), setting the stage for a drier climate.
As autumn arrives, precipitation levels begin to rise once again, with September receiving 52 mm (2.0 in), which gradually increases through October at 101 mm (4.0 in). November is the peak of the wet season, yielding 207 mm (8.2 in), while December follows suit with a remarkable 262 mm (10.3 in). This increase in rainfall during the latter part of the year often coincides with higher frequency of rainy days, notably December having 14 days of rainfall. This cyclical pattern highlights the duality of Epirus's climate, where lush, wet winters contrast sharply with the warm, arid summers, influencing both the landscape and local agricultural practices.
In Epirus, Greece, sunshine duration displays a clear seasonal trend, moving from the relatively low light of winter to a peak in summer. During the early months of the year, January and February see a modest 197 and 249 hours of sunshine, respectively, as the region gradually transitions out of winter's gloom. As spring approaches, sunshine hours increase significantly, with March capturing 323 hours and peaking in April at 343 hours. This upward trajectory continues into May, where residents can enjoy 397 hours of sunlight, hinting at the forthcoming summer vibrancy.
Summer months are where Epirus truly shines, with July boasting the highest total of 425 hours of sunlight. Even August remains bright, though slightly reduced at 395 hours. This sunny momentum starts to wane into the autumn months, with September experiencing 345 hours before dwindling to 306 hours in October. By the time winter returns, sunshine hours decrease further, with December closing out the year at 231 hours. Overall, this compelling pattern – from the sun-drenched summers to the darker winter days – not only enhances the region's appeal but also plays a crucial role in shaping its rich agricultural landscape and outdoor lifestyle.
In Epirus, Greece, the Ultra Violet Index (UVI) reveals a distinct seasonal variation reflecting the sun's intensity as the year progresses. During the winter months, January and December maintain a moderate UVI of 3, while February sees a slight rise to 5. As spring arrives, the UVI climbs steadily, reaching a notable 7 in March and escalating to 8 in April. The onset of summer brings the highest levels of UV radiation, with May peaking at 10 and June recording an intense 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during these months.
As summer transitions to fall, the UVI remains relatively elevated, with July and August holding steady at 10. However, as autumn approaches, there is a gradual decline, with September dropping to 8, October at 7, and November dipping to 4. This fluctuation underscores the importance of sun protection throughout the year, especially during the peak summer months, when the risk of UV-related health issues is significantly heightened. Awareness of the UVI trends in Epirus can help locals and visitors alike enjoy the sunny, warm climate safely.
UV Risk Categories
In Epirus, Greece, daylight duration exhibits a clear cyclical trend that corresponds to the changing seasons. The winter months begin with short days, as January and December each provide approximately 9 hours of daylight, while February offers a slight increase to 10 hours. As spring approaches, the length of daylight expands rapidly, with March extending to 11 hours and April reaching 13 hours. This upward trajectory continues into May, where daylight peaks at 14 hours, showcasing the region's transition into warmer and longer days.
As summer settles in, daylight remains consistent, with June, July, and August all contributing 14 hours of sunlight. However, as the season shifts to autumn, daylight begins to recede, with September decreasing to 12 hours and October further dropping to 11 hours. By November, the daylight duration mirrors that of winter once again at 9 hours. This seasonal variation not only influences daily life and activities in Epirus but also affects agricultural cycles and the local ecosystem, highlighting the importance of sunlight throughout the year.
Ioannina, located in the Epirus region of Greece, experiences a varied climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters with minimum temperatures dropping as low as -20°C (-3°F) in January and relatively mild summers, reaching maximums of up to 37°C (99°F) in August. The city receives significant rainfall during the late autumn and winter months, with December being the wettest at 235 mm (9.3 in), while summer months are comparatively dry, with August receiving only 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain. Sunshine is abundant, especially during the summer, peaking in July with 425 hours, providing long sunny days. For more detailed information, visit the Ioannina climate page.
Metsovo, Greece experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. In winter months like January, temperatures range from -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), accompanied by substantial precipitation of up to 123 mm (4.8 in) and limited sunshine of 191 hours. As spring progresses, temperatures rise, and by May, averages reach 14°C (58°F) with increased sunshine of 389 hours and reduced rainfall of 79 mm (3.1 in). The summer peaks in July and August, with average temperatures of 22°C (72°F), minimal rainfall, and maximum sunshine of 422 hours, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Come autumn, conditions moderate with October offering a balance of warmth and rainfall before transitioning back to the cooler months. For more detailed information, visit Metsovo climate.
Mytikas, Greece experiences a Mediterranean climate featuring mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. From January to March, temperatures average around 11°C (52°F) with significant rainfall peaking in December at 273 mm (10.7 in). The summer months from June to August are warm, averaging around 24°C (75°F) with minimal precipitation, and receive the most sunshine, particularly July with 424 hours. Autumn brings a gradual dip in temperature and a return to increased rainfall, notably in November with 226 mm (8.9 in). For more details, visit Mytikas climate.
Parga, Greece, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. During the summer months of June to August, average temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) to 26°C (79°F), while rainfall is minimal, with only about 12 mm (0.5 in) in July and August, and abundant sunshine with over 400 hours. In contrast, the winter months from November to February feature more rain, particularly in December with up to 286 mm (11.2 in), and temperatures averaging from 9°C (48°F) to 11°C (53°F). The Parga climate Parga climate ensures lush vegetation due to the high precipitation outside the summer months, contributing to its picturesque landscape year-round.
Syvota, Greece, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, with significant seasonal variation in precipitation. During the summer months, temperatures range from a mild average of 22°C (72°F) in June to a hotter average of 26°C (79°F) in August, with minimal rainfall—only 15-17 mm (0.6-0.7 in) in July and August. In contrast, the winter months see cooler averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, with December and November being the wettest months, receiving 271 mm (10.7 in) and 260 mm (10.3 in) of rain, respectively. Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant throughout the year, especially in the summer when July experiences up to 425 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit the Syvota climate.
In conclusion, the climatic and environmental patterns of Epirus, Greece, reveal a rich tapestry of seasonal changes that significantly impact the region's lifestyle, agriculture, and biodiversity. From the notable temperature variations and precipitation trends to the fluctuations in sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, it is evident that each season brings its own characteristics and challenges. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for residents, tourists, and policymakers alike, as it aids in making informed decisions regarding outdoor activities, health precautions, and sustainable practices. As Epirus continues to embrace its Mediterranean charm, the interplay of these climatic factors will remain a crucial element in shaping its natural landscape and cultural heritage.